Scenic Drives & Overlooks

Though your legs may be tired, there is still more to explore and see in Pisgah National Forest! When you feel as though you can’t take another step through the woods, you should consider driving through them.


Pisgah is home to some of the best scenic drives in North Carolina. When you come to Meraki Escape's luxury vacation rentals, you are centrally located to all of them! We’ll show you which drives are worth your time, what there is to see on each road, and when you should plan to do them.

A map showing the route of a hike in the mountains.

City skyline

Photo By: John Doe
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A man and a woman are standing on top of a mountain with a dog.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway is the most renowned scenic drive in Appalachia. Starting in Cherokee, NC, and running up to Afton, VA, it has many twists and turns, noteworthy hikes, gorgeous panoramic views, and cute restaurants specifically for hungry travelers. 


However, the length of the drive (469 miles) is not something you should trek without some planning and vacation time.


The Parkway travels from The Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Cherokee Indian Reservation in NC. Access points for Meraki Escape are MP423.2 (Junction 215) and MP411.8 (276 - Pisgah Hwy)


Meraki Escape’s Loop


Guests are encouraged to take this 64 mile idyllic loop drive from Meraki Escape, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, through Brevard and back to Meraki Escape.


The drive in your car or motorcycle (without stops) will take just under 2 hours but we recommend guests plan on more time to stop at one or all of the 9 overlooks and Looking Glass Falls. 


The Best Overlooks on the Meraki Loop


Find all of these and more on the Meraki Loop Map:

Mt Hard Overlook, Devil’s Courthouse, Fetterbush Overlook, John Rock Overlook, East Fork Overlook, Looking Glass Rock / Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Log Hollow Overlook, Cherry Cove Overlook, Pounding Mill Overlook, Looking Glass Falls.     

 
Bonus 

After exiting the Blue Ridge Parkway and just before the intersection of 276 & 64 is a great time to stop for ice cream at the Dolly’s Dairy Bar or a craft beer at The Hub Tavern.  Alternatively, guests can stop on their way back to Meraki Escape in downtown Brevard for shopping, dining and/or drinks. 


Directions (from Meraki Escape)


  • Take Frozen Creek to Highway 64.
  • Take 64 to 215 (Headwater Outfitters), Turn Left
  • Travel 17 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway Entrance MP 423.2
  • Go east on the Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Travel 11.5 miles along the parkway to access point MP 411.8 to Highway 276.
  • Go south on Hwy 276 to Hwy 64. Turn right onto Hwy 64.
  • Travel through downtown Brevard back to Meraki Escape
Interactive Meraki Loop Map

The Copperhead Motorcycle Loop


Motorcyclists can stay on the Blue Ridge Parkway during summer months for stunning views, or continue on 215 for the Copperhead Motorcycle Loop.


Take note.... As with its namesake, the Copperhead Motorcycle Loop demands respect! While you may not be facing a dragon, a rattler or a diamondback, the Copperhead offers many of the same thrills and more.


Technical curves to test experienced riders, relaxing sweeping turns, and rapid elevation changes. There truly isn’t a better combination of roads for casual drivers, sports cars and motorcyclists alike!

Guide to Copperhead

Scenic Drive HWY 64 / NC Waterfalls Byway


Presented by Romantic Asheville: “U.S. Route 64 is the longest numbered route in North Carolina, running 604 miles from the Tennessee state line to the Outer Banks."


The scenic drive is called "from Murphy to Manteo," because it guides you across the entirety of North Carolina. Along the path you'll see natural wonders such as waterfalls and gorges, as well as charming towns that will encourage you to stop for a minute or two.


This path feeds into both the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway and North Carolina Waterfalls Byway.


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A group of people are sitting in a church with a cross in the background.

Pretty Place Chapel


This is an open-air sanctuary built in 1941 as a gift to the local YMCA. It sits above a sheer cliff overlooking the ridges and foothills of upstate South Carolina. This chapel is a truly one-of-a-kind venue for proposals, engagement photos, and of course, the view. 


When can I visit Symmes Chapel?

Before you make your way out to Pretty Place, make sure you check the visitation schedule so you can ensure you’re going during its open hours.


Bathrooms are available during open hours. It’s a must-see man-made landmark if you’re looking for more diversity in the scenery.


A viewpoint on top of a mountain with a fence and binoculars.


A granitic gneiss outcropping atop the dramatic Blue Ridge Escarpment gives Caesars Head State Park its name.


The park offers spectacular views that extends into North Carolina and Georgia and offers 60 miles of trails.


Located on a 0.03 mile paved path from the Caesars Head Visitor Center is the Caesars Head Overlook that boasts a panoramic view from 3200 feet where you can see Table Rock, Sassafras Mt, the Dismal Forest, and even Paris Mountain.


A viewpoint on top of a mountain with a fence and binoculars.

Asheville Jeep Tours

Meraki Favorite!  We absolutely loved our Jeep Tour and highly recommend to our guests. 


Experience "The Land Of Waterfalls" from the back of their custom-built jeep! Ride through thick forests, past roaring streams, and witness beautiful waterfalls on tours of Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway.  Options include paved and dirt roads as well as hiking.